Gentlewoman No. 4

The first real painting I remember working on was when I was about six. It was a pineapple.

Did you go to art school? If yes, which school did you go?

I graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design.

When did you know that you will be an artist for living?

When a publisher told me that they wanted to publish my first book. I burst into tears and then went and looked at myself in the mirror, expecting that I had transformed somehow.

What was the best thing you learned at school?

One of my professors used to say that an illustration could be a rebus rhyme, or it could be poetry.

How do you get inspirations for your art? What inspires you the most?

Seeing/reading/hearing something unexpectedly moving. Taking off my glasses and seeing mistaken things, like a sailboat in a tree that turns out to be a shopping bag. I get a lot of ideas when I'm lying awake in bed and not quite dreaming.

Who is (are) your most favorite artist(s)?

There are too many to list--I don't want to forget someone! But I love to go to the Art Institute and look at the Joseph Cornell boxes.

What makes you smile?

Kind people, surprises, the sound of orchestras tuning up.

What makes you cry?

Most recently it was because someone crashed into my ankles with a shopping cart.

Do you have any pets?

I have two cats, a dog, and a lizard.

What are you working on right now? and do you have any new & exciting projects coming up in 2018?

I just finished some greeting cards, and have a book and some other projects coming up. I've been writing some stories and am planning to illustrate them, too.

What's most important for you being a professional illustrator?

Freedom and trust. Even though I'm working with other people and need their input, my favorite clients are the ones who trust my decisions. When I'm given that space, my ideas are truer and my work is stronger.

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TSUGE BOXWOOD BRUSH - 3LINES & 2LINES
The high temperature and high humidity of Kagoshima, Japan is perfect weather for healthy plants. Especially the southern Satsuma district which is known as the home of Boxwood & an abundant supply of materials. The quality, luster and elegance of (J...

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Chidoriya Tsuge Boxwood Comb does wonders to your hair! Our Tsuge "Boxwood" Long Comb (Tail Comb) is an essential tool for accurate parting and sectioning. It will make you look sleek & sophisticated easily.
It is a wonderful comb! Great for back combing or teasing your hair. Wooden combs ar...

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Neko means cat in Japanese! Wooden brushes are the great thing while combing your hair. Read this article on The health Site "Comb your hair the right way to beat hair loss".
Unlike plastic, it doesn't produce static or snap your hair. Never use soap & water to clean wooden combs. More detai...

$132

These hair pins are handmade by skilled artisans in Kyoto, Japan. They are just so sweet and hard to choose pink or red pins!!! Each one is unique.
MATERIALS
Replica kimono material for the flower + metal U shaped pin attached Handmade in Kyoto, Japan
HOW TO USE
Wear them however you li...

$47

This is a special mini tsuge handmade boxwood comb for your lashes: After applying mascara, use the comb to separate your lashes. Regular use of a wooden comb will make your lashes healthier and shinier. It can also be used as a mustache comb. Please use Original Pure Camellia Oil to clean and...

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We are currently running a holiday promotion till the end of this year! If you purchase any of these silk kimono clutch bags you will also receive one of our lip balm (Yuzu or Hinoki) and a booklet of the Face paper (30sheets) - The set is filled with $103.00 worth. Please take this opportunity...

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It fits and feel like your skin!ORGANIC BIKINI This bikini short is made with 100% organic cotton from Texas. This is designed and made in Japan with this very fine jersey fabric that will not show through your jeans or pants:) Smooth to the touch and is delicate to your V-zone with a little sexy...

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It fits and feel like your skin! ANKLE LENGTH LEGGINGS♡ These are no outer seams on this legging so it’s ideal to wear under skinny jeans, pants or use as a kimono undergarment. This fine, delicate cotton material is super soft & smooth to the skin! We hope you enjoy this luxurious organic c...

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Chidoriya brand new cosmetic pouches are completely handmade from scratch, using a unique hand-dyed, hand-painted technique on pure silk kimono called "Rouketsuzome". These cosmetic pouches are handmade by a very talented artisan in Kyoto, Japan.
Size: 10.5"W x 7"L x 1"D
We are currently runn...

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It fits & feels like your skin!CAMISOLE♡ with BRA PAD Finally..This cute camisole can be worn alone without a bra! Pads are removable,it is wire-free and feels very soft especially around the bust.You can certainly enjoy this simple and cute designed camisole everydaywearing under shirts or T...

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This "Tama-Kanzashi" style has been loving its beauty of simplicity.Which color are you?! kanzashi story Kanzashi (簪) are hair ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. Some models may have been modified for self-defense. In the English-speaking world, the term "kanzashi" is sometimes...

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It fits and feels like your skin! ORGANIC BOY SHORT❤ This boy short is made with 100% organic cotton from Texas. It is designed and made in Japan with this very fine jersey fabric that will not show through your jeans or pants♥
INGREDIENTS
100% Organic Cotton from Texas ● Lace: 85% Nylo...

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It fits and feel like your skin! ANGEL TANGA PANTY This Tanga (panty) is made with 100% organic cotton from Texas. This is designed and made in Japan with this very fine jersey fabric. The lace (very cute by the way) details do not touch the skin directly and accentuates your hip line beautifull...

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MAIKO POUCH SMALL (#ADR-911) LUCKY magazine recommendation!
What is Maiko? A maiko (舞妓) is an apprentice geiko (not exactly same as geisha) in Kyoto, western Japan. Their jobs consist of performing songs, dances, and playing the shamisen or the koto (traditional Japanese instruments) for visit...

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It fits & feels like your skin! UNDER SHIRT♡ This three-quater length sleeve under shirt has a longer length that covers your whole back (Peekaboo-free when bending over). Open design accentuates the neck line beautifully...from your collar bone to decorte. We have been waiting for this typ...

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It fits & feels like your skin!ORGANIC SUPER COMFORTABLE & CUTE BRA♡ Our Organic Cotton Bra fits your body very nicely and you can easily move around… it's super CUTE. It keeps its shape even after washing. We have worked diligently and finally come up with this design. We launched this ...

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It fits and feel like your skin!Super Comfortable and Sexy Women's Short Panty! Our organic cotton comfy panty fits your hips nicely with a worry-free panty line design. We made our client's dreams come true after receiving so many requests that they needed some panties that are super comfortab...

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Playing Card Obidome! An obidome (normally spelled as one word and pronounced "oh-bee-doe-may") is an ornamental trim worn by Japanese women with their kimono attire. Prior to the beginning of the 17th century, both women and men wore a plain, rope-like cord to secure the kimono at the waist. T...

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Chidoriya original chidori kanzashi hair sticks - Ivory style Kanzashi (簪) are hair ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. Some models may have been modified for self-defense. In the English-speaking world, the term "kanzashi" is sometimes applied to the folded cloth flowers that tra...

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This is such an elegant Kanzashi from japan called "40's styled Bachi" Kanzashi hair stick.Available in 3 colors: Black, Yellow or Amber. Kanzashi (簪) are hair ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. Some models may have been modified for self-defense. In the English-speaking world, ...

$49.99

Nanten means NandinDelicate works, skilled artisan created this piece for ladies who love Japanese chic. kanzashi story Kanzashi (簪) are hair ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. Some models may have been modified for self-defense. In the English-speaking world, the term "kanzash...

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MAIKO POUCH WITH HANDLE (ADR-619) This handy type cosmetic pouch is made by the selected manufacturer in Japan.
What is Maiko?A maiko (舞妓) is an apprentice geiko (not exactly same as geisha) in Kyoto, western Japan. Their jobs consist of performing songs, dances, and playing the shamisen or ...

$68

How Cute are these hair pins?! Kanzashi (簪) are hair ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. Some models may have been modified for self-defense. In the English-speaking world, the term "kanzashi" is sometimes applied to the folded cloth flowers that traditionally adorned tsumami kanz...

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Such a delicate works, skilled artisan created this piece for people who love Japanese chic. kanzashi story Kanzashi (簪) are hair ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. Some models may have been modified for self-defense. In the English-speaking world, the term "kanzashi" is some...

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This is a very classic and chic item! kanzashi story Kanzashi (簪) are hair ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. Some models may have been modified for self-defense. In the English-speaking world, the term "kanzashi" is sometimes applied to the folded cloth flowers that traditional...

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Lucky Chido-Chan....How cute is this hair pin?! What is KANZASHI? Kanzashi (簪) are hair ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. Some models may have been modified for self-defense. In the English-speaking world, the term "kanzashi" is sometimes applied to the folded cloth flowers tha...

$49

This item could be used as brooch or hair accessory. Haikara is a pseudo-English Japanese word from the Meiji period derived from the phrase “high collar.” (It originally had a long final a: haikarā, ハイカラー.) You might summarize its meaning as “fashionably Westernized,” but of course, the full s...

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ROCK STEADY HANA KANZASHI HAIR STICK kanzashi story Kanzashi (簪) are hair ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. Some models may have been modified for self-defense. In the English-speaking world, the term "kanzashi" is sometimes applied to the folded cloth flowers that traditional...

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LOVER'S ROCK MAIKO HANA KANZASHI HAIR STICK It is quite eye catchy piece. It goes with antique kimono or dress. Iy can be coordinated with other kanzashi hair stick. Wear and enjoy it however you like! The manufacturing process of Hana kanzashi 1 Dying Dying the fabrics called "HABUTAE". They wo...

$75

This is one of our most favorite maiko hana kanzashi hair sticks in our offerings. It is a real Maiko hair stick from Kyoto, Japan. It can be worn and looks beautiful on any hair color. The manufacturing process of Hana kanzashi 1 Dying Dying the fabrics called "HABUTAE". They would use very v...

$119

Our brand new GIRL'S LOVE PANTY is very comfortable really flattering... it fits and feels like your skin! The material of this panty is made with a bit thicker organic cotton than our other panties we carry, woven in the circular rib fabric that has a nice thickness. Also milling and finishing ...

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Delicate works, skilled artisan created this piece for ladies who love Japanese chic. kanzashi story Kanzashi (簪) are hair ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. Some models may have been modified for self-defense. In the English-speaking world, the term "kanzashi" is sometimes appl...

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Isn't this pin super adorable?! All handmade from Japan Kanzashi (簪) are hair ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. Some models may have been modified for self-defense. In the English-speaking world, the term "kanzashi" is sometimes applied to the folded cloth flowers that traditi...

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chidoriya original Suki Suki Kiss Hair Pin! kanzashi story Kanzashi (簪) are hair ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. Some models may have been modified for self-defense.In the English-speaking world, the term "kanzashi" is sometimes applied to the folded cloth flowers that tradit...

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SIMPLE, COOL & CHIC...BLACK & WHITE are the BEST! Kanzashi (簪) are hair ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. Some models may have been modified for self-defense. In the English-speaking world, the term "kanzashi" is sometimes applied to the folded cloth flowers that tradi...

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So unique, classy and practical kanzashi story Kanzashi (簪) are hair ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. Some models may have been modified for self-defense. In the English-speaking world, the term "kanzashi" is sometimes applied to the folded cloth flowers that traditionally ado...

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This simple deep green tama kanzashi is a very classic and chic piece. It is often worn by Maiko in Japan to pair with more decorative kanzashi hair sticks. Kanzashi (簪) are hair ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. Some models may have been modified for self-defense. In the Engli...

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This simple coral color tama kanzashi is a very classic and beautiful piece. It is often worn by Maiko in Japan to pair with more decorative kanzashi hair sticks. kanzashi story Kanzashi (簪) are hair ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. Some models may have been modified for self...

$46

This cosmetic pouch is a great size for carrying in your bag everyday. It fits your favorite lip balms, lip gloss, eyeliner, face papers and an I-phone, etc... What is Maiko? A maiko (舞妓) is an apprentice geiko (not exactly same as geisha) in Kyoto, western Japan. Their jobs consist of performi...